CBD Oil for Pain and Stress

[Animal Freak]

Hello everyone. I was wanting to get some opinions on the use of CBD oil in cats. My vet won't give an opinion because there isn't enough known, but I'm getting a bit desperate and CBD oil seems like the one thing that could potentially help with the multiple issues I am dealing with. I have two 13-year-old male cats, a 10-year-old female, an 8-month-old female, and two dogs. I'm considering it for the older ones. One of the males has arthritis (diagnosed when he was 6) and does not like to use to the litter box anymore. He's on Gabapentin to help with any stress and/or pain issues, but it no longer really seems to help. And no, it's not kitten-related. That might not help, but the litter box issues started well before we had the kitten and he's been doing better with her. The other male almost definitely has developed arthritis as well and is getting crankier, so he needs something to help. I'd rather not have to put him on the Gabapentin if I can avoid it. It's already quite expensive for the one cat. My older female, however, is struggling with the new addition of the kitten and I'd like something to take the edge off her stress. She's been lashing out at the other animals and is just not happy. I'm also considering it for my 10-year-old Chihuahua mix since she has some general anxiety issues.

If anyone has used it, I'd like to hear experiences. Is it worth trying? If so, what brands? Also, has anyone used it with Gabapentin and Felimazole? Does it have an effect on those meds? Any advice or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[fionasmom]

You will probably get various opinions on this subject and answers will vary with experience. This is just me.

I have used it with a GSD and one cat and found that there was very little benefit. I always use an organic brand (Innovet) as the entire crop itself is pretty well polluted with pesticides. One of the most important things to know about the use of CBD products is that it is a pathway disruptor and can make other medications more or less strong or effective. This would apply to the Felimazole ( which Fiona herself took), but I would not combine it with gabapentin as together they can cause a moderately strong interaction in humans.

Members use it, and I am not trying to discourage you. As for vets, there are some limitations in some states as to how much they can discuss about its use with a client.

If you are going to stop the gabapentin, remember that your cat has to be weaned off of it, as with prednisolone. The brand I mentioned is thick and unflavored. You might want to consider a flavored version which might be more appealing to your pets.

Search Results for Query: CBD oil

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Not specific to the CBD, but have you tried other things for the arthritis, like the use of heated beds, heat lamps, using Dasequin or stronger pain meds other than Gabapentin if it doesn't seem to be working, even acupuncture or laser therapy, or even switching to a lower sided litter box or two. Or using puppy pads if they absolutely cannot get into the litter boxes? Some people have even resorted to using cookie sheets or baking pans since they are low sided.

For stress, check out this article:

Stress in Cats - The Ultimate Guide - TheCatSite

Discover the ultimate guide to understanding and managing stress in cats. Learn about the common causes, signs, and effective strategies.

thecatsite.com

 

[stephanietx]

I have tried CBD with 2 of my kitties for joint pain and saw no change. After a few weeks, it caused one of my kitties to throw up every time I gave it, so I had to stop with him. I continued with my female kitty, who was older, for about 6 months, but saw no significant improvement, so I stopped.

 

[Beth922]

I bought CBD oil for my 12 year old cat because I was worried about arthritis. I cannot say for sure if it works because when I put it on his food he sniffs it and eats around any area it touched. I don't know if it's smell or taste that bothers him, but I just gave up for now because I would rather he eat. They do make flavored tinctures (or whatever they call them), and they make CBD treats. If I did it again, I wouldn't buy the plain unflavored kind. I do know for arthritis that I have had some success with green lipped mussel powder. Mine also doesn't like most joint supplement chews, but both cats love the powder (it smells awful to me). It's just freeze dried mussels, but it's supposed to be a good source of glucosamine and omega 3s. My cat isn't on any medication at this point, so I can't say if it would work with that. It did seem to improve his mobility.

 

[Animal Freak]

You will probably get various opinions on this subject and answers will vary with experience. This is just me.

I have used it with a GSD and one cat and found that there was very little benefit. I always use an organic brand (Innovet) as the entire crop itself is pretty well polluted with pesticides. One of the most important things to know about the use of CBD products is that it is a pathway disruptor and can make other medications more or less strong or effective. This would apply to the Felimazole ( which Fiona herself took), but I would not combine it with gabapentin as together they can cause a moderately strong interaction in humans.

Members use it, and I am not trying to discourage you. As for vets, there are some limitations in some states as to how much they can discuss about its use with a client.

If you are going to stop the gabapentin, remember that your cat has to be weaned off of it, as with prednisolone. The brand I mentioned is thick and unflavored. You might want to consider a flavored version which might be more appealing to your pets.

Search Results for Query: CBD oil

Thanks for the info. Ash's Gabapentin doesn't seem to be helping very much anymore, so I'm going to have to figure something out with him one way or another.

The vet is definitely unwilling to talk about it though I'm not sure if it's by choice or by limitations. The vet tech talked about it a bit. She didn't seem to think it was likely to hurt to try, but of course couldn't tell me much.

Not specific to the CBD, but have you tried other things for the arthritis, like the use of heated beds, heat lamps, using Dasequin or stronger pain meds other than Gabapentin if it doesn't seem to be working, even acupuncture or laser therapy, or even switching to a lower sided litter box or two. Or using puppy pads if they absolutely cannot get into the litter boxes? Some people have even resorted to using cookie sheets or baking pans since they are low sided.

For stress, check out this article:

Stress in Cats - The Ultimate Guide - TheCatSite

Discover the ultimate guide to understanding and managing stress in cats. Learn about the common causes, signs, and effective strategies.

thecatsite.com

I'm afraid anything heated would be taken over by Ember since she's obsessed with warmth. They are all on Cosequin, but I can't say I've noticed a difference with it. I'm not sure what would be better than Gabapentin. From what I know, there aren't many good long-term pain meds for cats. Ash is also on it because it helps with anxiety as well as pain which he has also had issues with, so he needs something to cover both.

We've been dealing with this issue for a long time, done many things, tried different litter boxes, litters, etc. Puppy pads are what we're using now, but I hate having to constantly throw them away. Plus if I forget to put a new one down or if he uses it a few times before I notice, he goes and finds something else to go on.

I have tried CBD with 2 of my kitties for joint pain and saw no change. After a few weeks, it caused one of my kitties to throw up every time I gave it, so I had to stop with him. I continued with my female kitty, who was older, for about 6 months, but saw no significant improvement, so I stopped.

Thanks for the info.

I bought CBD oil for my 12 year old cat because I was worried about arthritis. I cannot say for sure if it works because when I put it on his food he sniffs it and eats around any area it touched. I don't know if it's smell or taste that bothers him, but I just gave up for now because I would rather he eat. They do make flavored tinctures (or whatever they call them), and they make CBD treats. If I did it again, I wouldn't buy the plain unflavored kind. I do know for arthritis that I have had some success with green lipped mussel powder. Mine also doesn't like most joint supplement chews, but both cats love the powder (it smells awful to me). It's just freeze dried mussels, but it's supposed to be a good source of glucosamine and omega 3s. My cat isn't on any medication at this point, so I can't say if it would work with that. It did seem to improve his mobility.

Would the green lipped mussel be better than Cosequin? I'm pretty sure I considered it before, but ended up opting to try the Cosequin instead. Not sure if something would make the mussels a better option.

 

[fionasmom]

I have a cat who was rescued from having lived her life entirely on concrete who will not use litter. She will get into a box with a puppy pad in it, but not with litter. It does require a little more supervision than cats who use litter and are happy with a box which is cleaned once or twice a day.

Will your cat use a litter box made from a plastic storage container with one of the sides cut very low? If it is a long enough box and the litter is in the back, the cat might walk back there to use the litter and then leave without having to step over a lip. This is very similar to what mrsgreenjeens suggested.

 

[epona]

My cat has recently started on Solensia which is a newish treatment for arthritis pain, it might be worth asking your vet about that.

 

[vampiric_conure]

I've only ever used CBD isolate in dog treats that a friend makes (She's got a business that she runs, making CBD-infused soaps and edibles, pain sprays, etc). I've noticed that it really relaxes my dog, Winter, and helps me, too. But I use the isolate straight out of the container to help with insomnia. As for helping pain in cats, I don't know. I wish I could have a more solid answer for you!

 

[purrtinent]

Animal Freak For cats with arthritis, krill is a supplement that will help tremendously. Krill contains EPA and DHA, omega3s that reduce the inflammation that is caused by arthritis. Giving the right dosage (weight dependent) is very important.

Another supplement to consider is green-lipped mussels (a type of mussel from New Zealand), which also contains EPA and DHA as well as another powerful anti-inflammatory omega3 called ETA. GLM will improve mobility and reduce pain in their joints. It's a powder that you mix with their food. I would recommend starting with GLM because it has no known side effects (unless your cats are allergic to shellfish, that's unlikely) and has rapid effects.

 

[Animal Freak]

I have a cat who was rescued from having lived her life entirely on concrete who will not use litter. She will get into a box with a puppy pad in it, but not with litter. It does require a little more supervision than cats who use litter and are happy with a box which is cleaned once or twice a day.

Will your cat use a litter box made from a plastic storage container with one of the sides cut very low? If it is a long enough box and the litter is in the back, the cat might walk back there to use the litter and then leave without having to step over a lip. This is very similar to what mrsgreenjeens suggested.

We have a pretty low sided litter box, but haven't tried cutting anything even lower. At this point, I'm not sure if not using the box is pain related or behavioral. He'll use the boxes only after they've been dumped, cleaned, and refilled which will last anywhere from a day to a week before he's back to not using them. But every now and then he'll go a day or two where he's not using the pads.

My cat has recently started on Solensia which is a newish treatment for arthritis pain, it might be worth asking your vet about that.

We did this for my other arthritic boy and it seemed to help at first, but then I was late on getting him the injection once (literally just by a few days) and it never seemed to help again after that.

I've only ever used CBD isolate in dog treats that a friend makes (She's got a business that she runs, making CBD-infused soaps and edibles, pain sprays, etc). I've noticed that it really relaxes my dog, Winter, and helps me, too. But I use the isolate straight out of the container to help with insomnia. As for helping pain in cats, I don't know. I wish I could have a more solid answer for you!

Thanks for the information. I'm not really expecting any really solid answers. I just thought it would be nice if I could cover the pain and stress related issues with one thing rather than having multiple different meds which are getting a bit expensive and I prefer to not medicate if i can avoid it though I certainly will. Even if it only helped with the stress related issues, it would still be helpful. My chi mix has anxiety problems and meds have not helped.

Animal Freak For cats with arthritis, krill is a supplement that will help tremendously. Krill contains EPA and DHA, omega3s that reduce the inflammation that is caused by arthritis. Giving the right dosage (weight dependent) is very important.

Another supplement to consider is green-lipped mussels (a type of mussel from New Zealand), which also contains EPA and DHA as well as another powerful anti-inflammatory omega3 called ETA. GLM will improve mobility and reduce pain in their joints. It's a powder that you mix with their food. I would recommend starting with GLM because it has no known side effects (unless your cats are allergic to shellfish, that's unlikely) and has rapid effects.

Thanks for the info. I have looked into the green lipped mussels before, but ended up trying Cosequin instead. Would it be better to replace the Cosequin with this then? Would it likely work better?

 

[purrtinent]

Thanks for the info. I have looked into the green lipped mussels before, but ended up trying Cosequin instead. Would it be better to replace the Cosequin with this then? Would it likely work better?

I've read quite a lot about GLM and it has some unique properties, and one of them is supporting synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates and protects the joints) production, that seems pretty important for old cats with arthritis. It's really good for the inflammation but you really need to give them every day. I don't know about Cosequin but if you already use that and it's helping, no reason to stop.

I've read that some people give both GLM and another joints supplement (in separate meals) because there are apparently no negative interactions.

 

[Animal Freak]

I've read quite a lot about GLM and it has some unique properties, and one of them is supporting synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates and protects the joints) production, that seems pretty important for old cats with arthritis. It's really good for the inflammation but you really need to give them every day. I don't know about Cosequin but if you already use that and it's helping, no reason to stop.

I've read that some people give both GLM and another joints supplement (in separate meals) because there are apparently no negative interactions.

Thanks for the information. I haven't really noticed a difference with the Cosequin, to be honest. I did go ahead and get the GLM powder, so we just started that last night.

 

[tyleete]

Cbd has done some miracles in my house. First time I used it, was for my gal with small cell lymphoma gi. A friend told me about it and I researched it for a month before bringing it to my vet. Her father had the same type of cancer and it helped him immensely. So we tried it. She was on chemo once weekly and Pred every night. Without the Pred, she would throw up daily
I put her on Ellevet, which the vet had available. I can't remember exactly when I saw all the good responses. But after she was on it 2weeks, I took her off the steroids. And never had to give them to her again. No more throwing up! She actually became a different kitty. We adopted her from the shelter at age 10. But in the 4 years we'd had her to then, she kind of remained in just her own room & ever wanted to come out. I thought it was because she was older and didn't want to be bothered by the younger ones. Nope! Turns out she was dealing with anxiety. I didn't even know cats could have anxiety! From what?!? Suddenly she was staying out with us in the living room all day long. She even started jumping up on the couches. Something she'd never done before. She was more playful, walked around with ease, and no more throwing up!
I also used it on a fellow that was diagnosed with stomatitis. It's an inflammation of the gums. I started him on a low dose of 2mg twice a day. He used to have regular flare ups where he'd drool & save some blood sometimes. But 2yrs on cbd? Not a single flare up.
I now use it on my second cancer kitty and know it helps her too

 

[Animal Freak]

Cbd has done some miracles in my house. First time I used it, was for my gal with small cell lymphoma gi. A friend told me about it and I researched it for a month before bringing it to my vet. Her father had the same type of cancer and it helped him immensely. So we tried it. She was on chemo once weekly and Pred every night. Without the Pred, she would throw up daily
I put her on Ellevet, which the vet had available. I can't remember exactly when I saw all the good responses. But after she was on it 2weeks, I took her off the steroids. And never had to give them to her again. No more throwing up! She actually became a different kitty. We adopted her from the shelter at age 10. But in the 4 years we'd had her to then, she kind of remained in just her own room & ever wanted to come out. I thought it was because she was older and didn't want to be bothered by the younger ones. Nope! Turns out she was dealing with anxiety. I didn't even know cats could have anxiety! From what?!? Suddenly she was staying out with us in the living room all day long. She even started jumping up on the couches. Something she'd never done before. She was more playful, walked around with ease, and no more throwing up!
I also used it on a fellow that was diagnosed with stomatitis. It's an inflammation of the gums. I started him on a low dose of 2mg twice a day. He used to have regular flare ups where he'd drool & save some blood sometimes. But 2yrs on cbd? Not a single flare up.
I now use it on my second cancer kitty and know it helps her too

Thanks for sharing. That's great that it's really helped your cats. I'm definitely still considering it though trying other things first. It would be really nice to have something to help with the stress and anxiety issues.